Description and Brand Names

US Brand Name

Estarylla

MonoNessa

Ortho-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo

Previfem

Sprintec

Tri-Lo-Sprintec

TriNessa

TriNessa 28

Tri-Previfem

Tri-Sprintec

Descriptions

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, and when taken properly, prevents pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization is prevented.

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate combination is also used to treat moderate acne in females (at least 15 years of age) who started having menstrual period and also wants to use this medicine for birth control.

No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.

This medicine does not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.